A/N: Voila, here's chapter 4. Please RnR??

Chapter 4 – Dining Table Conversations

What had seemed like a perfectly beautiful, optimistic and productive morning turned sour for Bella the moment she realised that 'Jason' was missing. Drat…I never even got to ask him his name! Bella cursed. She looked around frantically for a few minutes but gave up in vain when she realised that all those aboard the ship had awoken, and the ship had resumed its usual hustle-bustle state.

Children ran up and down with their parents calling out to them, reminding them that it was time for breakfast. Couples walked about hand in hand, oblivious to everyone and everyone except each other. And a gang of teenagers lounged around with the music blaring in the headphones, so loud that all those around them were getting a taste of hard rock – whether they wanted to or not.

Soon, the breakfast gong sounded. Bella, having the misfortune of standing near the gong got an earful of it in her right ear. Luckily, she was prepared this time and did not trip or fall. After silently congratulating herself for being surprisingly unclumsy (if that was even an English word, which she very much doubted), she followed the masses towards the massive dining room.

Having skipped her meals the previous two days on account of depression and since today was merely her third day onboard, Bella was awed by its immense dimensions. The huge wall to wall windows gave a spectacular view of a wide expanse of sea along with the wake of the ship, as the dining hall was at the rear end of the ship. Silken curtains that framed the windows were thrown open and tied together with elegant scarves. Butlers dressed formally in black and white weaved in and out of the crowds, taking orders and delivering dish after dish of mouthwatering goodness.

Unconsciously, Bella's mouth started watering and she walked into the dining hall, eyes searching for a place to sit. But by this time, the people had used the time that she had used to gape at the dining hall for finding tables to sit at. She wove in between the tables, trying valiantly to find at least a table meant for one, but with no avail. Just when she thought that she would have to starve again today, she caught sight of a young girl probably the same age as her sitting alone at a table, back facing Bella. She sighed in relief and walked quickly over to the table before anyone else snagged her last option.

"Hey, I am very sorry to butt in, but I have absolutely nowhere else to sit. Do you mind if I accompany you to breakfast?" queried Bella.

"I saw you coming!" shrieked the girl at the table. Bella took a step back in alarm.

"I'm very sorry," chirped the girl apologetically. "No, it's just my brother…he may or may not come…her face became smooth and blank for a moment, after which she resumed. "You may sit, no problems!"

Bella sat hesitantly. Is this girl alright?

"Hi, I apologize for my impoliteness. My thoughts were kind of preoccupied. I'm Alice Cullen." She waited, looking expectantly at Bella.

Bella scrutinized Alice. She seems to be a nice sort, she thought. She had short, glossy spiky hairs that literally stood in all directions, yet made her look like she was a model straight from the covers of Vogue. Her pixie-like face was stretched into a broad smile, and large dark eyes danced with mirth and mischief. She had on a violet full-sleeved top that was sequined at the neck. Her slim fitted back jeans had an interesting pattern running down the length of one slim leg.

"I-I'm Bella Swan," stammered Bella, instantly going red in the face. Am I incapable of speaking one sentence without stammering? She fumed inwardly.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Bella!" quipped Alice. "Oh, look…the butler is coming our way. Have you made your decision yet?"

Bella shook her head. In all the rush to grab a table to eat at, she had barely given the menu a glance. "I haven't even looked at the menu yet," admitted Bella.

"I suggest you go for the blueberry pancakes a la mode, I've heard it's their best dish here at the Ocean Paradise," offered Alice.

Bella shot her a grateful look. "Thanks!"

"May I take your orders, madams?" cut in the deep voice of the butler.

"One blueberry pancake a la mode and a glass of cranberry juice, please," recited Alice in her high, clear tinkling voice that seemed to belong to a professional singer.

"Will that be it?"

"Yes please, thank you."

After a surprisingly short amount of time which was spent in making small talk, a steaming blueberry pancake was placed before her. Not having eaten for two days, Bella was ravenous. Soon, the only sound that could be heard was Bella slurping the ice cream off the pancake and then the sighs of contentment as she bit into the steaming hot pancake. Her tortured stomach welcomed the delicious food gladly.

Alice looked on with amusement as she observed Bella eat. Unlike any other woman their age, Bella never bothered eating daintily. She literally shoveled the food into her mouth and sighed in happiness. Bella caught Alice staring at her and laughed ruefully.

"I know, I'm eating like a cavewoman, aren't I?"

Alice laughed, and the sound was like wind chimes – a happy, tinkling musical laughter.

"It's just that-I haven't eaten proper food for three days, and this pancake is sheer heaven for me right now. Thanks a million for suggesting it to me," Bella hastened to explain.

Alice laughed her high, muscial laughter again. "Hey, no problem, Bella!" she exclaimed. Then her face clouded over and she furrowed her brow in confusion. "Why have you not eaten for two days? No wonder you were so hungry! What were you trying to do, diet? You look just fine, let me tell you. Or starve yourself to death?" Alice was near hysterics.

Bella stared at Alice in alarm. Why did her not eating affect a mere stranger so much? But she quenched those thoughts and proceeded to straighten Alice's thoughts.

"No, I wasn't trying to kill myself, neither do I diet." Alice let out a visible sigh of relief. "Actually, I was horribly upset because…" she trailed off, looking ashamed.

"Then what is it, Bella Swan?"

A/N: Review, please??

The next chapter will be out as soon as I get at least 10 reviews.

I already have the idea for this thing planned out, so I won't abandon it...delays will occur though and so I request you all to be patient.

Until I get the time to post in between all my crazy tests, please REVIEW?? Thanks a lot in advance to all those who do! :D

Your humble author,
SashaWPevensie (The Eternally Clumsy!)